Hasting is an uncommon given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word 'Hæsting', which is composed of two elements: 'hæste' meaning 'guest, stranger' and '-ing' being a suffix that forms adjectives or agent nouns. Therefore, Hasting can be interpreted as 'pertaining to strangers' or 'one who entertains strangers'.
The name Hasting is not particularly associated with any specific historical figures or events. However, it does have some notable appearances in literature and mythology. In the Anglo-Saxon poem 'Beowulf', there is a character named Hæstingus, which is believed to be an early form of the name Hasting.
In terms of popularity, Hasting has not been a common choice for parents throughout history. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, only 15 boys have been named Hasting since 1879 when recording of names began. This rarity may contribute to its distinctive and unique appeal.
Overall, while Hasting is not a well-known name with a rich historical background like some other English given names, it does possess an interesting etymology and a literary association that make it an intriguing choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.
Statistics on the name "Hasting" reveal an interesting trend over time in the United States.
In the early to mid-20th century, the birth rate of babies named Hasting fluctuated slightly but remained relatively low. Between 1917 and 1927, there were only five births each year between 1917 and 1921, followed by a small increase with seven births in 1927.
Over the course of these ten years (from 1917 to 1927), the total number of babies named Hasting born in the United States reached 17. This indicates that while not exceptionally popular during this period, the name was still used by some parents who chose it for their newborns.
It's important to note that these statistics reflect only a small subset of births within each year and do not account for any additional babies named Hasting who may have been born outside of these specific years. Nevertheless, they provide insight into how frequently this particular name was chosen during the late 1910s and early 1920s in the United States.
In conclusion, while "Hasting" was not a common baby name during this time period, it was used consistently throughout this decade with some variation in popularity from year to year.